Re: Carbon Or Aluminum Crankset Better? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

09-10-2003, 06:49 AM

"Jim Morrison" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>I just ordered a Felt35R road bike and am looking to make a decision on
>whether or not to keep the FSA carbon crankset that's standard issue on the
>bike or change it to perhaps the FSA Gossamer crankset. My concern is mainly
>a strength/durability/stiffness concern. I currently weigh in around 230-235
>lbs and knowing that most bike components are designed to cater to a lighter
>weight class as a generality I want to make sure that I am getting the best
>crankset on the bike that will provide the best performance for me.
>
>I've been assured by FSA and Felt that there will be no issues with the
>carbon cranks whatsoever in reference to me as a rider. There is no weight
>limit restriction by FSA. I was hoping others here might be able to share
>positive/negative experiences or opinions with the FSA carbon cranks.

What's your motivation to use the CF cranks? It's easy to know that
the cold-forged cranks from the "big guys" will handle your weight -
but the new CF cranks are an unknown at this point. Hey, they may be
just as strong as a "real crank"... or not. The question is, do you
want to be a test pilot and help determine their limitations or not.
A broken crank is an ugly thing to experience.

One thing I DO know about 'em is they're easy to mess up - I got a
pair for a buddy of mine (though for his MTB). They only lasted a few
months before they were so beat up they couldn't be trusted.
Scratches that would be cosmetic on an aluminum crank affected the
carbon fiber weave, which could create a stress riser and cause a
break.

Mark "I'll take the aluminum, thanks" Hickey
Habanero Cycles
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